The 59-year-old freshman lawmaker has a bevy of experience representing the people of a small town, having served as a council member and mayor of the City of Franklin in Warren County.

"With (former Rep.) Ron (Maag) being termed out and the redistricting that took place, it provided a wonderful opportunity for small town America to be represented," he said. "A little city like Franklin, Ohio, with only 12,000 people, doesn't usually have that opportunity."

The graduate of the College of Wooster and DePaul University cruised to victory in the general election, defeating his Democratic opponent with nearly 79% of the vote. He edged out two other challengers in the GOP primary with nearly 41% of the vote.

Since his arrival in Columbus, Rep. Lipps said he has found the task of being a state lawmaker "daunting," even after attending sessions during the previous General Assembly's lame duck session to get acquainted with his new surroundings and colleagues.

"I still did not understand the pace this thing moves at," he said, comparing it to a college athlete who moves on to the professional level and realizes the speed of the game changes dramatically.

The small business owner said he plans to focus on several issues in the legislature, including job creation.

"Entrepreneurism is at about a 40-year low because it's such a challenge right now," said Rep. Lipps, who served for more than two decades on the board of the National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio.

"I watched regulation and compliance issues cost small businesses more and more each year."

Another issue Rep. Lipps plans to focus on is state's rights. He serves as the vice chairman of the newly created Federalism and Interstate Relations Committee.

Rep. Lipps said he also plans to be a strong advocate for the disabled.

"I want to make sure we are providing great services," he said.

At the end of the day, though, Rep. Lipps said he will not forget his small town roots and plans to make issues such as 4-H and CAUV priorities during his time in office.

"We're not Columbus. We're not Cleveland. We have very different needs," he said. "People in villages and townships have rights and the need to be heard."

The former mayor says he want to model his time in the legislature after former Rep. Tim Derickson.

"I would like to be known as a caring legislator that listened, was nice and gave it everything he had," he said.

Rep. Lipps has also found creative ways to utilize his last name. He has a collection of lip ties, one of which he presented to Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville). He also handed out more than 9,000 lip balms during his primary and general election campaigns.

"I made it through the eighth grade with the last name of Lipps. I think it's why I have a good sense of humor," he said. 1